The Ruff Report: Dogs and Food

Pet parents tempted to switch to lower-priced food for their dogs and cats may save money now, but they are likely to shell out more dollars later in extra health costs, a veterinarian says.

“Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a quality diet can actually decrease your pet’s chance of developing costly health problems in the future,” says Karen J. Johnson, a veterinarian at Banfield, The Pet Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

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----------------------------------------------------------------------A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-storeAlso find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.com

Story continues hereHigher-quality diets tends to have fewer fillers which allows more nutrients to be absorbed by a pet, Dr. Johnson states in a media release. Pets also need to eat less of the higher-quality food to get the same amount of nutrients in a cheaper brand that contains fillers.Banfield, The Pet Hospital advises pet parents to:Use foods that are made by companies known for ongoing nutritional research. Make sure the food is fresh by minimizing the time it is stored.Feed your pet the right amount according to its weight and avoid feeding large amounts at one time.Maintain a consistent daily feeding schedule to help your pet keep normal elimination habits and avoid indoor accidents.Pay close attention to the first three ingredients on a pet food's label. The most nutritionally rich foods contain whole ingredients in the top ingredients, instead of “meals” or ground skeletal meats, organs or connective tissue. By-product “meals” do have nutritional benefits, but are more beneficial when not among the primary ingredients. Related reports about dogs and food:This common artificial sweeter is killing dogsPricey food may actually be bad for your petHere's a better way to feed your petBeware of this sickening way to feed your petCheap pet food leads to costly health problems Higher price no guarantee of pet food's qualityThe unnatural truth about dog foodHelp your pudgy pooch control weightAppetite ferocious for premium pet foodYour dog and the peanut butter recallChocolate, candies mean danger for dogsAnother warning about chicken jerky treatsMore pets being told 'eat your veggies'More news about dogs and foodAvoid feeding “people” food. A pet’s digestive system is simpler than a person's and can be easily upset by table scraps.HOME

Pet parents tempted to switch to lower-priced food for their dogs and cats may save money now, but they are likely to shell out more dollars later in extra health costs, a veterinarian says.

“Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a quality diet can actually decrease your pet’s chance of developing costly health problems in the future,” says Karen J. Johnson, a veterinarian at Banfield, The Pet Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

Story continues below

----------------------------------------------------------------------A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-storeAlso find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.com

Story continues hereHigher-quality diets tends to have fewer fillers which allows more nutrients to be absorbed by a pet, Dr. Johnson states in a media release. Pets also need to eat less of the higher-quality food to get the same amount of nutrients in a cheaper brand that contains fillers.Banfield, The Pet Hospital advises pet parents to:Use foods that are made by companies known for ongoing nutritional research. Make sure the food is fresh by minimizing the time it is stored.Feed your pet the right amount according to its weight and avoid feeding large amounts at one time.Maintain a consistent daily feeding schedule to help your pet keep normal elimination habits and avoid indoor accidents.Pay close attention to the first three ingredients on a pet food's label. The most nutritionally rich foods contain whole ingredients in the top ingredients, instead of “meals” or ground skeletal meats, organs or connective tissue. By-product “meals” do have nutritional benefits, but are more beneficial when not among the primary ingredients. Related reports about dogs and food:This common artificial sweeter is killing dogsPricey food may actually be bad for your petHere's a better way to feed your petBeware of this sickening way to feed your petCheap pet food leads to costly health problems Higher price no guarantee of pet food's qualityThe unnatural truth about dog foodHelp your pudgy pooch control weightAppetite ferocious for premium pet foodYour dog and the peanut butter recallChocolate, candies mean danger for dogsAnother warning about chicken jerky treatsMore pets being told 'eat your veggies'More news about dogs and foodAvoid feeding “people” food. A pet’s digestive system is simpler than a person's and can be easily upset by table scraps.HOME